Saved by the Gun! (Civilian Self Defense News)

2015-12-20 Off-duty officer kills armed robber — "An off-duty Baltimore cop shot and killed an armed robbery suspect who police say tried to rob the officer with what turned out to be a toy gun…. Police said … that the officer fired in self-defense…. The officer, who was not identified, is an 18-year veteran of the department assigned to the special operations unit…. When the suspect asked for a wallet, he reached into his bag like he was getting his wallet. That’s when he shot the suspect because he was pointing a gun at him…. Police determined after the shooting that Moreland's weapon was a realistic-looking toy gun…."

2015-12-14 Armed robbers shot by armed victims — "A robbery suspect is in critical condition after one of his victims pulled out a gun in Houston…. Officers say four people were leaving work at a nearby club Monday morning when three men pulled up in a white car. Witnesses tell police at least two of those men had guns drawn. As the suspects were taking one of the victim's purses, one of the workers reached into his own car, pulled out a gun and began shooting…. Officers say one of the suspects … was shot several times and is in critical condition. Another suspect may have been hit as well, but managed to get away after jumping into a waiting car…."

2015-12-01 Heavily armed robbers sent packing by armed elderly woman store owner — "Surveillance video shows a white Ford SUV backing into a handicapped parking space. Then, one by one, five suspects file into a … jewelry store. The masked men then attempt to rob the store at gunpoint…. It was a quick in-and-out, 15 seconds to be precise. As two of the suspects armed with handguns trained their weapons on employees and a single customer, the three others opened pillow cases and demanded cash. But barely half a second later, they would leave empty-handed, chased out by one very angry store owner…. She fired two rounds from her handgun towards the suspects, which caused them to flee the store. And flee they did, bumbling and stumbling into each other as they clamored to escape the store owner's fury…"

2015-11-30 Man attempting robbery while posing as hotel employee detained by a guest with a gun — "A man was arrested on burglary charges after he posed as a hotel employee to enter a soldier's room Monday afternoon, according to police…. A guest, who happened to be an enlisted Army soldier, noticed a man checking the plumbing in the hallway. Then the man asked to enter the guest's room and inspect the plumbing. Police said the man's act was convincing, and after putting his dogs away, the guest let him in. The man entered the room, pulled his hoodie over his head, and displayed a knife. The soldier quickly grabbed his own gun and talked to suspect onto the ground. The suspect had a pistol in his front waistband, according to police, but did not try to get it once he was detained. Officers arrived and confirmed the suspect, 43-year-old Phillip McCoy, was not a hotel employee. He was arrested for first-degree burglary and other related charges."

2015-11-29 Crowbar-wielding robber shot by concealed carry holder — "Tulsa police say a man leaving a Burger King was forced to shoot another man who approached him with a crowbar in a robbery attempt…. According to police, the man is licensed to carry a concealed weapon and was acting in self-defense. He shot the attempted robber in the right shoulder, TPD says. The man who was shot left the scene in a blue four-door car, witnesses said. Police located the man at a local hospital but said they haven't made an arrest yet."

2015-11-25 Woman answering classified add uses gun to defend against Craigslist crooks — "The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for a suspect involved in a Craigslist meetup gone awry. Deputies responded to a 911 call on Willis Hill Road and Wire Road to find a 23-year-old Frank Frazier Junior dead at the scene. Witnesses say they saw a black male with a grey hoodie fleeing from that same road just minutes before. Aiken County Sheriff's deputies are working to put together the puzzle pieces to a Craigslist meetup gone awry. While investigators and blood hounds combed the crime scene on Willis Hill Road, deputies got a call from a couple who admitted to shooting Frank Frazier Junior, and they claim it was in self-defense…. Captain Eric Abdullah says the couple met up with the deceased and the suspect through Craigslist…. At some point during the meeting the 2 black men pulled out weapons and demanded money from the couple. It was then that the woman pulled out a gun and shot and killed Frazier…."

2015-11-20 Elderly couple holds burglar at gunpoint until police arrive — 'Albuquerque police said an elderly couple stopped a man who was loading stolen items into a vehicle and held him at gunpoint until police arrived…. Police said the 70-year-old man caught Aaron Lujan loading stolen items including the couple’s car keys, generator and tools into a stolen SUV that was parked across the street from his home. The man tried to stop Lujan. When Lujan ignored him, police said the man and his wife came outside carrying weapons. They held Lujan at gunpoint as neighbors called police…. According to court records, Lujan got out of jail on a burglary charge just a few hours before neighbors said he started terrorizing their block…."

2015-11-11 Breastfeeding mother fends off home-invading attackers — "Intruders shot a woman breastfeeding her newborn baby. [Several men] barged into the bedroom … then started shooting. Samantha Bunce, a combat medic in the National Guard, fired back with her own gun. She’s now recovering in the hospital from two gunshot wounds. Her baby is fine…"

2015-11-11 Teenager uses mom's gun to kill a burglar — "A South Carolina teenager left home alone used his mother's gun to shoot and kill a burglar, authorities said Tuesday…. Fox Carolina reported that deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a home…. When they arrived, they found the unidentified 13-year-old boy and asked him to come out of the home. The boy said he heard a vehicle pull up behind his house, then heard someone trying get inside a few minutes later. At that point, the teen picked up his mother's gun and went to the back door of the home. Authorities said the boy told them he fired the gun through the door and the person outside fired back. The boy fired several more shots, apparently wounding the suspect…. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots before seeing a gray car pull out near the home and speed away…. Officials reported that a gray Chevy Sonic pulled up to a local hospital with several bullet holes. An affidavit states the passenger in the car had three gunshot wounds and was rushed to the emergency room in critical condition, but was later pronounced dead…."

2015-11-03 Homeowner shoots burglar — "[An] intruder was shot early Monday morning after trying to break into a home…. The homeowner told investigators that the suspect had a red headlamp he was wearing when he tried to enter the home…. In fear for the safety of himself and his family, the homeowner confronted the suspect… While investigating the incident, deputies found a number of items [that] were being used to break into the home…."

2015-10-31 Customer shoots and kills armed robber — "Chicago Police say charges are unlikely to filed against a customer who fatally shot a man trying to rob a Southwest Side business Saturday night. A man walked into a Gage Park business that included a currency exchange … and pulled out a gun, threatened the employee behind the counter and announced a robbery…. A customer in the store withdrew his own weapon and fired at the suspect [who] was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. [The suspect] had an extensive criminal history, including prior arrests for robbery…."

2015-10-25 Pizza deliveryman shoots robber — "Police say a Domino's delivery driver was delivering pizzas … when he was approached by two armed man, demanding money. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the deliveryman grabbed his own gun and shot one of the suspects…. According to police, the suspect who was shot by the deliveryman is in serious condition, there’s no word on if the second suspect was captured, or if he ran off…."

2015-10-18 Pastor shoots, kills attacker in church — "A Detroit church service turned tragic today when a man with a brick went after the pastor, but likely didn’t anticipate what would follow: the pastor pulled out a semiautomatic pistol and fatally shot the man, police said…. The shooting happened … shortly after a 1:30 p.m. service got underway at the City of God storefront church…. The man with the brick never actually made it into the church, but went after the pastor in the vestibule…. The pastor … responded with gunfire, shooting the man multiple times, including in the chest. The man died a short while later at Botsford Hospital…."2015-10-13 Armed beauty frightens off molesters — "A Mumbai-based model allegedly whipped out a gun at a retail outlet in Karol Bagh to thwart two men whom she claimed had tried to molest her, police said.... The episode unfolded at the billing counter when she suddenly pulled out a gun as she accused two men present there of having passed lewd comments at her. She also alleged that they had tried to touch her inappropriately when she was waiting her turn at the counter, said a police officer. By the time the manager intervened and other customers gathered around, the accused duo had fled the scene...."

2015-10-09 Robbers attempt to rob concealed carry holder resulting in one robber dead and the other wounded — "One person is dead and another is injured after they allegedly attempted to rob a man carrying a concealed handgun early this morning. The suspects approached the man with a gun as he was walking on the 600 block Cypress Station Drive around 1am. That's when deputies say the man surprised the would-be robbers by pulling his own handgun. He fired the gun at both suspects, killing one of them.... The second robbery suspect was found injured a short time later. He was transported to the hospital...."

2015-10-08 Jerusalem mayor calls on licensed gun owners to carry firearms to defend against terrorism — "Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said it’s “imperative” that Israelis with gun licenses go out armed — as he does — in order to defend against Palestinian terror attacks.... The Jerusalem municipality earlier issued a statement urging residents with licensed firearms to carry their weapons in light of the major increase in Palestinian terror attacks over the past month.'Many terror attacks in Jerusalem have been prevented or neutralized due to the quick actions and response of responsible bystanders,' the municipality said...."

2015-10-05 Career criminal killed while attempting to rob four people at gunpoint — "A weekend triple shooting in Northeast D.C. appears to be a case of self-defense from a robbery. Four people were walking in the 700 block of H Street around 1 a.m. Saturday when a [career criminal] identified as Jerome Wright held them up at gunpoint. But according to a source close to the investigation, one of the victims fought back. In the struggle, two of the robbery victims were shot. One of them, after being hit in the chest, managed to wrestle the gun from Wright and fatally shot him...."

2015-09-30 Elderly sisters shoot and kill intruder who attacked them — "An intruder was shot dead after police say he attacked two sisters in their own home. Investigators say the two sisters fought back. Deputies said they got a 911 call that there was a burglary happening in the home, but when they got here, they found an unresponsive man lying at the edge of the property. Deputies say two sisters, ages 64 and 75, living in the home had to fight off an intruder on Tuesday night. They say a man named Jonathan Shellman Green came into the home and attacked the two women, but they fought back. They said one woman grabbed a gun and fired three shots...."

2015-09-24 Homeowner shoots intruder — "At approximately 12:30 a.m. Thursday ... Ahmall Bodden was at his home ... with his family when he heard glass breaking at the front of his home.... Bodden went to investigate and found a man on the front porch with a hammer trying to get into his home. The man then reportedly confronted [Bodden] and the suspect was shot once in the hip/pelvic area.... Police responded and the suspect was taken into custody...."

2015-09-21 Bank robbery thwarted by concealed carry customer — "A man who was robbing a Citizens Bank near 9 Mile and Van Dyke roads on Monday was shot by a customer at the bank. The robber initially fled the bank on foot but was found lying on the ground bleeding. He was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound.... The robber walked into the bank and announced a hold-up. He received money from a teller and then pointed the gun at the customer, who shot him. He shot him in both arms and the leg...."

2015-09-09 Twice in 2 years a woman shoots a home invader — "A home invasion turns deadly after a Dayton woman reportedly shoots an intruder. And this is the second time she's opened fire in her home. Around 3 a.m. ... the woman heard someone breaking in to her Richmond Avenue home. First, he tried a downstairs window then climbed through one upstairs.... The intruder couldn't get in the kitchen window because the homeowner put bars on them after her house was broken in just last week.... In the hallway, the homeowner reportedly confronted the intruder with a gun. After being shot, the man ... took off running and collapsed on the sidewalk..... This isn't the first time the homeowner has shot someone. Two years ago, two teenagers kicked in her back door and she shot one of them...."

2015-09-04 Concealed carry permit holder shoots armed teen that tried to rob him — "A 17-year-old remains in the hospital in critical condition after the young father he tried robbing shot him several times.... Joe fired his gun when the teenager tried robbing him while he was sitting in his car. She says he was on the job as an exterminator when the teenager pulled a gun on him.... Lanier has a concealed carry license and his mother is an instructor herself, who says she's taught all of her sons how to responsibly operate a gun...."

2015-09-03 11-year-old defends self and 4-year-old sister by shooting home intruder — "A child shot a teen that was trying to break into a home in north St. Louis County. Police say the 11-year-old shooter fired one round from a handgun and killed the 16-year-old suspect. Two suspects tried to break into the home twice before on Thursday. One of the suspects got into the unlocked front door of the home at around 2:30 pm while the 11-year-old and a 4-year-old girl were home alone. That is when the 11-year-old shot and killed the suspect. Police found the body with a gunshot to the head in the front foyer of the home. Investigators say the second suspect ran off when shots were fired. St. Louis County police have taken the suspect into custody...."

2015-09-01 Disabled elderly man buys gun for protection and has to use it the same night — "Harvey Lembo was fed up. The last straw was last month when a burglar stole thousand dollars and prescription medicine from his apartment. It happened again late Monday night. Only this time, Lembo woke up. 'I had the gun under my pillow. I reached out and I cocked it. And I got in my wheelchair.,' Lembo said. Lembo confronted the intruder in his home rifling through his pills. He held him at gunpoint. 'This is the fifth time I've been robbed. And it's all been about drugs. I'm tired of it. So I went and bought a gun,' Lembo said. Lembo got the gun on Monday. He never thought he'd have to use it that night. 'I screamed at him to stop. And I told him to go sit on the coffee table or I'd blow his brains out. I still had the gun in my hand. And I'm trying to dial 911 with the gun in my hand,' Lembo said...."

2015-08-19 Father scares off suspected burglar with gun — "Raul, a father of three, woke up to his son scared for his life saying a man was banging on his window, so Raul jumped into action. 'Went into the closet and I grabbed my handgun and I loaded it up,' he said. He ran out the front door, noticed the burglar had ripped off his surveillance camera and then saw him standing in the street.... His surveillance cameras caught the burglar making a run for it and jumping into [a getaway car]...."

2015-08-14 Man returns home and takes out armed intruders with his own weapon — Palm Beach County Sheriff’s investigators say a homeowner came home, went inside and found two intruders inside. There was a scuffle, the intruders fired shots and so did the homeowner. During the gun battle, both of the thugs were shot. One died and the other was rushed to a hospital. The homeowner was not hurt.

2015-08-12 Armed father protects wife and baby from masked intruders — Two masked intruders forced their way into a Texas home. Then, they met a man ready to protect his wife and baby. Kenrich Dickson was at his house ... around 11 a.m. Tuesday when he said two men banged on the unlocked back door so hard the key frame broke off. The intruders made their way inside the house from there, coming face-to-face with Dickson’s wife ... and their 8-month-old son. Dickson said he was in the back bedroom at the time and went down the hallway to confront the intruders on his own — with his gun... 'I stood right here, because this is the only way to get out,' Dickson [said]. 'I shot one. His friend pushed him down to get out the door.'... After the gunshots, both suspects ran out into a nearby alley to their car, blood still dripping. One managed to escape police; the other was taken to a hospital for treatment.

2015-08-06 Armed elderly man chases off intruder — A 78-year old man fought back against an intruder Wednesday, firing five shots with a handgun before the burglar drove away, according to deputies.... He heard his alarm go off inside his home ... then saw a flashlight in his living room [and retrieved his gun].... The intruder shined a flashlight in his face to try to blur his vision.... Ashton chased the suspect through the kitchen and into the garage. The intruder then hopped into the couple's 2011 Toyota Prius and threw it into reverse.... The suspect drove about half a mile on flat tires and then abandoned the car. A K-9 team was unable to locate the intruder after about 40 minutes.

2015-05-22 Man holds carjacker at gunpoint until police arrive — "An East Point man held a would-be carjacker at gunpoint until police arrived and arrested the suspect, according to Atlanta police. Hashim Fannin, the car owner, says the attempted carjacking occurred just after he had pulled into a parking spot at the Family Dollar on Marietta Boulevard in northwest Atlanta earlier this month. Fannin says the man slipped into the passenger’s seat when his doors automatically unlocked. "He told me, ‘You know what this is,’" Fannin said. That is when Fannin says he pulled his gun out.... The car owner kept the suspect, Edgar Horn, 61, at gunpoint face down in the parking lot for several minutes until police arrived...."

2015-05-19 Woman shoots burglar who attacks husband — "A woman reportedly called 911 and said a man was trying to break into her house, and she shot him. The woman told dispatchers the man was still inside the house, and her husband had detained him.... Deputies discovered that the suspect broke through a front door at the residence and confronted several people who were inside. The woman's husband arrived home soon afterward and was attacked by the suspect near the back door. The two men fought for several minutes before the husband broke free and ran back inside the house, locking the back door. However, the suspect gained entry into the house and began attacking the man again. The man's wife ordered ordered the suspect to stop, but he continued to assault her husband. The woman fired one shot, hitting the suspect, who fell to the floor...."

2015-05-16 Man shoots and kills one of his kidnappers when they threaten his wife — "Police said around 6:30 a.m., a man ... was leaving his house, putting some items in his vehicle, when he was approached by two armed men. They forced him back into his home to get his wallet, then they forced him into his own Toyota truck to drive to an ATM and get money.... One of the kidnappers threatened to go back to the victim's house to harm his wife, and that's when the victim grabbed his own gun from the truck, and shot and killed one of the kidnappers.... The other kidnapper is still at large...."

2015-05-13 Gang of bat-wielding home invaders stopped by young armed father— "[A man] was sitting on his balcony around 11 p.m. when ... three to five men [approached]. He started to feel uncomfortable so he went inside and got his gun. He said moments later there was a knock on the door and standing outside were the men, one of which was holding a baseball bat. The man told investigators they wanted him to come outside and when he declined they forced their way inside the apartment. That's when he said he started shooting.... the woman who lives there [said] she is just grateful she and her family got out unharmed. She claims she didn't know the men but says on he that night she could only watch in horror with her baby in arm, as her husband killed one man, shot another and wounded a third...."

2015-05-12 Armed woman frightens off aggressive home-invading burglars — "A woman who was woken up by the sound of intruders in her home allegedly fired two shots at the men in her passage, police say. Eastern Cape police spokesperson Alwin Lebans said the woman, 39, had been woken up shortly after 03:00 on Tuesday by noises in her Port Elizabeth home. Labans said the woman got her gun and went to investigate. She then came across two men inside her house.... She ordered them to stop, but they kept coming forward so two shots were fired in their direction.... The men fled the scene with the woman's purse containing an undisclosed amount of cash and her bank cards...."

2015-04-24 Concealed carry holder rescues elderly man from group of assailants — "A trip to the grocery turn[ed] into a stand-off when a shopper decide[d] to take the law into his own hands. The gunman did not want to be identified so he said to call him Gene. Gene says he had two options-- ignore the surrounded elderly man-- or do something he thought he'd never have to.... The 24-year-old says when he was leaving the grocery store he saw something he couldn't ignore. 'I saw seven people against one guy and I did not like those odds.' The out numbered man was elderly so Gene felt obligated to get involved.... With the gun drawn the attackers turned their attention. 'They kept yelling this isn't your fight, you need to walk away you need to put the gun down,' Gene says.... By the time police arrived the attackers and the victim took off...."

2015-04-23 Homeowner shoots home invader — "After hearing a loud noise at the back of his residence Thursday afternoon, a Texas homeowner told Arlington police he went to investigate and found two men he didn't know had broken into his house.... The homeowner was carrying a handgun and shot at the men, police said. While one escaped on foot, the other was hit by gunfire. Police found the alleged intruder in the backyard; he was taken to a hospital where he died of his injuries...."

2015-04-21 Grandma uses pistol to thwart knife-wielding robber — "A Fort Worth grandmother thwarted her would-be robber Monday when she pulled a pistol from her purse and scared her assailant away. Jewell Turner, 74, [said] she was waiting in her minivan outside of her doctor’s office ... when a man tapped on the glass of her driver’s side window. Turner said she rolled down the window when the man said he needed directions. [He stuck a knife to her throat and told her to give him her purse.]... Turner remembered that earlier that very day she felt the need to bring her small pistol along with her.... 'I just reached down, got the gun and turned around and pointed it to his face. And I told him, I said, You back off, or I’ll blow your head off. And his eyes got big and he just backed up and he took off walking down the street like nothing happened.'..."

2015-04-20 Concealed carry permit holder stops gunman shooting into crowd of people — "... An Uber driver who shot and wounded a gunman who opened fire on a crowd of people in Logan Square [Chicago] over the weekend. The driver had a concealed-carry permit and acted in the defense of himself and others.... A group of people had been walking in front of the driver around 11:50 p.m. Friday ... when Everardo Custodio, 22, began firing into the crowd.... The driver pulled out a handgun and fired six shots at Custodio, hitting him several times.... Responding officers found Custodio lying on the ground, bleeding..."

2015-04-07 Armed father thwarts home invasion — "A father opened fire on three men who smashed in the front door to his family's home. The home invasion happened before 5 a.m. Tuesday.... The man's wife and child were asleep in another room. The father was in the living room on the couch when three men busted in. The dad grabbed his gun and started shooting, and the suspects reportedly fired back as they headed back outside. There were no reports of injuries, but the home invaders got away in a dark blue vehicle...."

2015-04-03 Carjacker with car owner on hood stopped by citizen with gun — "At a car wash in Smyrna, Georgia ... a van pulled up next to a car and a teenager dashed from the van to the car.... The car’s owner, who had been vacuuming the vehicle, was stuck on the hood as the teen gunned it. Witnesses told KPRC that the woman started screaming, and surveillance cameras captured the carjacking as it unfolded. Cameras also captured the moment a quick-thinking city employee realized something was going wrong and starting chasing down the car — and firing his gun. The man shot the teenager in the shoulder, stopping the carjacking in its tracks...."

2015-03-31 Homeowner shoots out tires of thieves that stole his ATV and dirt bikes — "An Ohio man was able to save his ATV and two dirt bikes by chasing two theft suspects and shooting out the tires on their pickup truck.... Two men stole the vehicles, along with a trailer, from a barn ... at about 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. As they were pulling away with the trailer attached to a Ford F-150, the homeowner, 46-year-old Bert Leasure took action. He grabbed his 12-gauge shotgun, started chasing the truck and called 911.... The suspects pulled into a yard on Ruff Road and tried to ditch the trailer, but Leasure said he caught up and fired three to five shots into a back tire and a front tire.... A Creston Police officer happened to be in the area and arrested the two suspects...."

2015-03-18 Eighty-four-year-old man uses pistol to frighten off robber — "An 84-year-old man was able to turn the tables on a robber who hit him in the face and took his wallet.... Video shows Jandebeur walked to his black truck when the robber came up behind him.... The robber punched him in the side of the face.... All of a sudden, he took off running. [Jandebeur] pulled his gun out of his left pocket, and that's when the tables were turned, and the robber was the one afraid. 'Anybody who doesn't arm themselves is asking for trouble,' Jandebeur said."

2015-03-17 Sixty-seven-year-old off-duty deputy shoots carjacker -- "Among the gifts Bill Strudel received after retiring as a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office sergeant 10 years ago was the police-issued handgun he used on the street, a common practice for cops who retire after years with the agency. The present came in handy Monday night when he was attacked by an armed carjacker who left Strudel’s eyes soaked in blood after pistol-whipping him in the forehead. Strudel, deputy police chief at the University of North Florida, shot the armed 15-year-old in the buttocks during the attempt to steal Strudel’s sport-utility vehicle.... The attack occurred about 9 p.m. ... while Strudel, who was off-duty and out running errands, had stopped at a free-standing ice machine to buy ice...."

2015-03-10 Concealed carry saves woman from falling victim to robber armed with hypodermic needle — "The victim told police she was withdrawing cash from an ATM ... when a man approached her and demanded she give her money or he would inject her with a needle that he was carrying.... The victim said that she grabbed her handgun once the suspect threatened her and said, 'I dare you to stab me.' The suspect then said 'Are you seriously going to do that to me,' and ran off...."

2015-03-09 Brother with Shotgun Saves Sister from UPS-dressed Robbers — "Tapia said she heard a knock at the door and when she looked out the window she saw what she thought was a UPS driver delivering a package. She said she saw a man with a UPS hat and shirt on. 'I proceeded to open the door and that's when he put the gun to my face and told me to lay down on the ground,' Tapia said.... But what the thieves didn't know is that her older brother, Jose, had seen them breaking in on their home security system.... He called 911, which spooked the pair into running out of the house. Deputies said Jose chased after the suspects and used a shotgun to fire at them...."

2015-03-02 Store clerk thwarts robbers with their own gun — "A clerk fought back during an attempted robbery Friday night at a tobacco shop.... Zara Adil was working the cash register at Discount Tobacco Zone when two men walked inside. One of the men had a gun and demanded cash. While Adil opened the drawer, she noticed the man put the gun down. 'I picked up the gun and pointed it at the second guy and said you run or I will shoot you,' says Adil. The man ran off, leaving the other man and Adil alone inside. He attacked her and while the two were fighting, Adil shot the man in the shoulder. [She] told the man she would let him go if he promised to leave the money alone. However, he didn't, and Adil attacked him. The man eventually left, without the money. Adil says she was standing up for what's right, and more people should...."

2015-02-27 Elderly man fatally shoots intruder — "One person dead after a 71-year-old ... was forced to defend himself in his home.... The homeowner says a stranger kicked in his door, but didn't get any farther than that.... When police arrived, they found the suspect dead on the porch. They say the door had visible evidence of someone forcing their way in. They say the homeowner stopped him with a single shot. 'Somebody kicks in your door and they're coming in your house, you don't have to wait for them to come in your house,' said Columbus Police Sergeant Rich Weiner...."

2015-02-19 Widow kills home invader with gun her son gave her a week before — "A man has died after being shot while reportedly breaking into a home in a west Columbus neighborhood.... The man was a robbery suspect, breaking into neighborhood homes. Sgt. Dave Sicilian said the unidentified man broke into a back door, was chased by a person inside then jumped out of a second floor window, before crawling across the street and breaking into a second home. 'The homeowner was awakened and defended herself,' said Sicilian.... The woman's son said he bought her a handgun last week for self defense."

2015-02-18 Pharmacist shoots armed masked robber — "A pharmacist shot and killed a masked, would-be robber who walked into his business Wednesday morning and pulled out a gun. Good Family Pharmacy employee Chris Monk said pharmacist Don Radcliff first attempted to 'feel the guy out.' Monk said Radcliff pointed at the man, who was wearing a bandanna over his face, and was 'just kind of joking with him,' saying 'Are you here to rob me?' The suspect pulled out a gun in response. Radcliff, who had already started reaching for the gun under his white pharmacy coat, just in case, opened fire. He fired three shots. The first hit the suspect’s chest, the second hit his gun, jamming it, and the third hit the suspect’s abdomen. One employee said the suspect was trying to shoot back during that time. The whole incident happened within a matter of seconds...."

2015-02-06 Elderly man uses concealed weapon to defend against masked armed robbers — "A masked suspect, who police say tried to rob a man using a [pellet] gun, is dead after the victim shot him in the head.... A 67-year-old man was walking when he was confronted by two masked men. One was carrying a stick and the other a gun. The man then pulled out his own .38 caliber handgun and shot one of the suspects in the head, police said. That man, who police say is in his late teens or early 20's, died at the scene.... the [pellet gun] looked like a real weapon and police didn't know it was a fake until they got a close look at it...."

2015-02-05 Homeowner shoots home invader — "David Como said he was lying in bed, watching TV, when he heard a noise. 'I grabbed my pistol and walked out my bedroom door and there was a man coming toward me, so I shot him,' said Como, adding that he used non-lethal rounds. 'It's varmint-load, rat shot, whatever you want to call it. I had a .44 Magnum right next to me, but I chose to use the non-lethal rounds.' Como said the intruder stole some welders, tools, a chainsaw and his pickup truck, which he used to flee.... No one inside the home was injured. 'My family is pretty shook up, but I'm alright. I got grandkids that are shook up, and my daughter and wife are all pretty shaken,' Como said. A search for the intruder ... was ongoing for hours before he was captured Thursday afternoon...."

2015-02-02 Young girl uses her own shotgun to scare of home invaders --"An 11-year-old girl used the shotgun she normally keeps to go hunting with her father to scare off a robber in her home, police said.... The girl was alone at ... about 3:45 p.m. on Jan. 30 when police said she surprised burglars who had broken into the house. The girl hid in a bathroom closet, where she grabbed her shotgun that police said she stores in a gun safe. When one of the burglars opened the closet door, police said the girl — whose parents were due home from work a short time later — pointed the shotgun at him and he ran off.... Two Detroit residents were arraigned on charges Sunday in connection with the incident...."

2015-01-27 Armed co-ed saves self, boyfriend from violent home invaders — "The search is on for two men who broke into an apartment with two University of Central Florida students inside.... Nour Skargee and his girlfriend Sable Nehme were both home when an unexpected visitor arrived on their doorstep.... Skargee says his girlfriend was in the back bedroom when he went to the front door and looked through the peephole. He described seeing a man with his head down on his doorstep.... As Skargee reached to unlock the door, he says the man forced his way in and brandished a firearm.... The suspect forced Skargee to the ground as a second man entered his apartment. Skargee says his thoughts immediately went to his girlfriend who was in the back room.... Nehme slammed the bedroom door shut and locked the door. That's when one of the gunmen looked down at Skargee and threatened their lives.... Nehme ran to the closet in the back of her room, and removed a handgun from the top shelf of her closet. Within seconds, the gunman kicked down her bedroom door and stood face to face with Nehme.... The two men ran out of the apartment.... Nehme said the gun was a gift from her father. He told her she should always keep it with her for safety's sake...."

2015-01-26 Armed city council member not about to be a sitting duck — "New Hope City Council members were in the middle of a routine meeting on Monday night when suddenly a barrage of gunshots left them scrambling for cover.Two police officers were hit by gunfire and one suspect was shot and killed during the shooting.... One of the council members, however, was armed and seemingly prepared to defend his colleagues and other attendees at the meeting in the Minneapolis suburb.... City Council member John Elder, who also works as public information officer of the Minneapolis Police Department, reportedly drew his firearm and ordered everyone to get down as he trained his across the room in anticipation of any threat...." [The council member didn't have to use his gun, but that's not the point. The fact is, he was prepared. And if the gunman had happened to go after the council members, there's a really good chance that they wouldn't have been sitting ducks, because one had the wisdom to be prepared to defend himself and those around him.]

2015-01-25 Rudely awakened homeowner uses pistol to drive off home invaders— "The homeowner told authorities he was sleeping when two men kicked in his front door.... According to investigators, the homeowner grabbed his pistol and began firing shots at the criminals from the top of the stairs.... The men reportedly fired repeatedly at the homeowner before they fled in a 2015 Dodge pickup. Deputies said no one was hurt, despite more than two dozen shots being unloaded...."

2015-01-22 Armed off-duty sheriff defends against armed robbers — "An off-duty Cook County sheriff's deputy exchanged gunfire with two robbers around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday.... The officer was walking ... when he was held-up two armed men who were wearing masks, officials said. One of the suspects fired his gun, and the officer shot back, according to officials.... The robbers ran away with the officer's cell phone and cash. No one is in custody. The off-duty deputy was not injured. But investigators found blood in a nearby alley, which could indicate one of the robbers may have been wounded...."

2015-01-13 Store clerk shoots robber — "According to witnesses, detectives said the armed suspect entered the business wearing a mask and demanded money from the clerk behind the counter. Once the suspect was given the cash, he attempted to leave the business, but police said he noticed the clerk trying to dial 911. This caused the armed man to re-engage the clerk, at which point, a second clerk inside ... approached the man from behind and shot him...."

2015-01-13 Woman pizza delivery driver uses gun to defend against armed assailant — "A Papa John's pizza delivery driver in Georgia was just doing her job Sunday when a man she thought ordered a pizza suddenly pulled out a gun and held it to her head.... The [delivery] driver had her own gun and while she was on the ground, she was able to retrieve it and shoot the suspect. The suspect ... was later found in a neighbor's yard with a gunshot wound to his face."

2015-01-12 Police officer shoots man attacking him with a shovel — "A Salt Lake police officer ... was called to [investigate] a suspicious person [James Barker] approaching homes looking for snow shoveling jobs. The man is believed to be the same person some residents saw looking in car windows the day before, according to police.... During the first minute of the [officer's body camera] video, the officer asks for Barker's name, tells him he's received a couple of complaints and points out that there really isn't any snow on the walkways for him to shovel.... The officer again asks for his name. It's at that point, without warning, that Barker's demeanor changes from calm to aggressive and he screams at the officer, 'I'm trying to make a living!'.... The body camera video shows Barker taking a step back and raising his shovel before he stepping forward and swinging it at the officer. The video spins as the officer is knocked off of the front porch and onto the ground. Then comes another hit from the shovel while he is on the ground. At this point, the video shows that a portion of the hard plastic shovel has been broken off. The officer can be seen on the ground holding something in his left hand. It's unclear whether it's his gun or a two-way radio microphone. Shortly after the latest hit from the shovel, the body camera is apparently damaged and stops recording... Shots were fired right after the body camera stopped recording [, killing Barker].... The officer suffered fractured bones in his arm and foot during the incident...." [After seeing that cops in France are unarmed, to the detriment of themselves and unarmed citizens, going forward I will include incidents where on-duty law enforcement personnel are able to use firearms to protect themselves or others from violence.]

2015-01-12 Armed restaurant customer thwarts armed robbers — "A customer is being called a hero after pulling a gun on two armed robbery suspects at a Houston restaurant.... Koy Sam and his wife were closing at the time and two customers were finishing their meals when two men walked in with guns.... One of them forced the couple to the ground while the other went for the register. He never made it because a customer confronted him with a gun.... As the customer held one suspect for police, he fired as the other suspect ran off. The bullets shattered the front windows of the restaurant. The second suspect got away and it's not clear if he was hit...."

2015-01-01 Shopkeeper shoots, chases off armed robber — "Police say a man pulled a gun trying to rob a store, but ended up running when the owner opened fire on him.... Employees say the man pointed a gun at one of the clerk. When he tried going around the lottery machine to get to the cash register, the store owner pulled a handgun. Police say the owner fired several shots as the suspect ran, hitting him at least once...."

Criminals get what they deserve when they are harmed while threatening someone else's life or property. I really don't care what their motives were. As soon as they attack someone or maliciously enter a home or place of business that is not their own, they have willingly forfeited their own safety, and potentially their own life.